Perfume is part of our daily grooming, an invisible accessory meant to announce us before we speak. But in the chase for the perfect scent, there’s a detail many overlook: where do you spray it?
Dr Pauline Gacheri, a dermatologist at Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital, says spraying perfume directly on the skin, and especially around the neck, is a habit worth rethinking. Daily, repetitive exposure, sometimes with several sprays, can be problematic over time.
The challenge begins with the variety of perfumes on the market. Some are well-regulated and manufactured with safe ingredient concentrations.
“Many others live in the free market, where there is little assurance about what is actually inside the bottle or whether the declared contents reflect reality. For a product we apply so generously, that uncertainty matters,” she notes.
“Perfumes could pose a danger, especially in cases of prolonged use. The exposure is both through the skin (dermal absorption), but we forget there's a significant amount of it being inhaled by the user and those around them.”
The picture becomes more complex when we consider that many people are also using lotions, hair sprays, or nail polish that contain similar ingredients, increasing total exposure.
The usual suspects here are phthalates, synthetic musks such as tonalide and galaxolide. Bisphenol A (BPA), Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and parabens. Research has linked them to a range of effects, including allergies, respiratory irritation, and hormone disruption although a few studies, while calling for more evidence, also suggest potential links with cancer.
“Children, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing hormonal issues or thyroid disorders are considered more vulnerable to perfumes and other exposures,” Dr Gacheri says.
Over time, the use of heavy or prolonged perfume may contribute to hormonal disruption.
“Some of the ingredients can mimic hormones, block them, interfere with receptors, or affect hormone transport.”
Concerns that have been raised include possible links to PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), fertility challenges, sperm issues, and thyroid-related problems.
The thyroid gland, situated at the lower part of the neck, regulates metabolism, heart rate, and growth.
“Spraying perfume on the neck does not penetrate into the gland itself and will not directly cause thyroid disease, swelling, or thyroid cancer,” she says.
However, Dr Gacheri explains the skin on the neck and armpits is thinner and more permeable, making it easily absorb and dry out as well.
“Irritants such as alcohol, preservatives or fragrances, may cause some individuals to develop reactions ranging from redness and itchiness to burning sensations, swelling, acne-like eruptions or dryness,” she says.” It is worse in persons with pre-existing atopic dermatitis or eczema and in children.”
The sun also plays a role. Certain perfume ingredients such as lime or lemon, can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, resulting in itchy rashes, a reaction known as photodermatitis.
“When the skin heals, it may darken, leading to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Darkening of the neck may also appear as fragrance-induced melanosis (Riel’s melanosis), a condition associated with other cosmetics. With sun exposure, these changes can combine with fine lines and wrinkling of the neck (elastosis), contributing to an aged appearance.”
The solution, she suggests, is not to abandon perfume entirely, but to use it more intelligently.
“Patch testing can help. Spray a small area and watch for reactions up to three days or a week. If irritation occurs, wash the area immediately and discontinue use.”
Dr Gacheri cautions that children should avoid perfume altogether. However, for adults, simple adjustments make a difference. Spray on clothing, lightly behind the ears, on the wrists, or even on the hair (but not the scalp) instead of directly on the neck.
“When shopping, look out for phthalate-free, paraben-free, or fragrance-free options where possible,” she advises.
